Auntie Judy and Uncle David
Friday night homemade pizzas for Dad's birthday.
It's been 10.5 months since we've seen anyone from home. This week we had a real treat! My Aunt Judy and Uncle David joined us at Boongarra Farm for 3 days, just in time to celebrate Howard's birthday!
Auntie and Uncle were in New Zealand for the World Triathalon competition. They had an excellent showing placing 2nd and 4th respectively!!! (Maybe the boys get their athletic abilities from my side of the family after all!?!) After the competition and two weeks of touring, Auntie and Uncle flew to Australia for a quick visit. They rented a 'cramper van' and made the 6 hour trek to the farm. We all enjoyed the extra sets of hands and the boys loved the extra attention.
Pancakes before cricket!
The moment that Dean met Uncle David he said, "He sounds just like you guys when you first came here!" Does that mean that we sound Australian now??? Uncle David played mini sticks with Khye, Colt and Howard. Auntie helped us make homemade pizzas for Howard's birthday and Auntie and Uncle both make pancakes for 5 boys before their early morning cricket games. We took Auntie & Uncle to the meet some of our friends and to watch Khye, Colt, Kent and friends play cricket. (Howard and Cody were both sick at home at this point. It was a yucky weekend for Cody. Howard powered through because he is too stubborn to miss his own cricket game and a birthday party!)
Cook, Cass, Ruth and Ardy with Auntie, Uncle and other parents.
After lunch on Saturday, Auntie and Uncle were on the road again heading back to the Sydney area. They spent a few days at the water learning how to surf. Auntie reported back that it's harder than it looks. (Do I need to remind you that they are 65 and 66 years old and are incredible!?) We appreciated the quick visit and are glad that you were able to experience our corner of Australia, Auntie and Uncle. See you next summer on the other side in .......Vermilion, Kelowna, Italy?
What could it be?
Friday, November 9 was Howard's birthday. He spent it with our family and Auntie, Uncle, Dean and Lucas. After the men's Saturday afternoon cricket game, several of us met at the Exies for a birthday supper. It started out with three couples and ended up with over 40 people. There are lots of November birthdays including Howard and Tony (same day), Sue and Louise.
Cass and Cook bought Howard a very special gift because Howard is the favorite of the Jackson 6. :) He was very excited and appreciative! Thanks, Cook!
November has been another crazy busy month. We are busy with sport 5 or 6 days a week, are preparing for report cards and had just had company for a few days. Throw in a family birthday and a sick kid and we've all about had it! So....what's the solution? Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon fishing, of course, and leave the Moms at home!
Cody fishing at Darlington Point.
Howard, Jamie Bennett and Glen Fabris took our 9 boys fishing at the river at Darlington Point. They were only meant to be gone a couple of hours in the afternoon but called at 6:45 pm and said that the fish were just starting to bite. At 9:00 pm, they showed up at the farm, muddy and tired but VERY happy and excited. The fishing had been a success. Every boy had caught something and a few fell into the river repeatedly! After a late supper and bath, they fell into bed exhausted but satisfied.
We have such a busy calendar here in Australia and it's mostly because we're trying to fit a lifetime of experiences and memories into a few short weeks. We do what we have to do during the week to prepare ourselves for the next big weekend where not a moment is wasted! This week had been proof of that!
Here are heaps more photos taken this week. Enjoy!
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